When a projectile is launched at an angle, it follows a parabolic path due to the influence of gravity. This type of motion is known as projectile motion. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during this motion:

1. Initial Velocity

The projectile is launched with an initial velocity ($v_0$) at an angle ($\theta$) relative to the horizontal. This initial velocity can be broken down into two components:

• Horizontal component ($v_{0x}$): $v_{0x} = v_0 \cdot \cos(\theta)$
• Vertical component ($v_{0y}$): $v_{0y} = v_0 \cdot \sin(\theta)$

2. Horizontal Motion

• The horizontal component of the velocity ($v_{0x}$) remains constant throughout the flight since there is no acceleration in the horizontal direction (assuming air resistance is negligible).
• The horizontal distance ($x$) traveled by the projectile at any time $t$ can be calculated using: $x = v_{0x} \cdot t$

3. Vertical Motion

• The vertical component of the velocity ($v_{0y}$) is affected by gravity. The acceleration due to gravity ($g$) acts downward, changing the vertical velocity over time.
• The vertical position ($y$) of the projectile at any time $t$ can be calculated using: $y = v_{0y} \cdot t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2$
• The vertical velocity at any time $t$ is given by: $v_y = v_{0y} - gt$

4. Maximum Height

• The projectile reaches its maximum height when the vertical component of its velocity becomes zero ($v_y = 0$). This happens at time $t = \frac{v_{0y}}{g}$.
• The maximum height ($H$) can be calculated using: $H = \frac{{v_{0y}}^2}{2g}$

5. Range

• The range ($R$) of the projectile is the horizontal distance it travels before hitting the ground.
• The time of flight ($T$) is the total time the projectile is in the air. It can be calculated by finding the time when $y = 0$ (i.e., when the projectile returns to its initial vertical position).
• The formula for the range is: $R = \frac{{v_0}^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g}$, which is derived by multiplying the horizontal component of velocity by the total time of flight.

6. Parabolic Path

• The trajectory of the projectile is a parabola. The shape of the parabola is determined by the initial speed and the launch angle.

Key Factors Affecting Projectile Motion:

• Launch Angle ($\theta$): Affects the shape and distance of the trajectory. A launch angle of 45 degrees (without air resistance) maximizes the range.
• Initial Speed ($v_0$): Higher speeds result in longer ranges and higher maximum heights.
• Gravity ($g$): Constant acceleration downwards influences the time the projectile spends in the air and the maximum height reached.

This description covers the basics of projectile motion, which is a fundamental concept in physics and is widely used in various applications such as ballistics, sports, and engineering.

Would you like more details or do you have any questions? Here are some related questions:

1. How does air resistance affect projectile motion?
2. What is the optimal angle for maximizing the height of a projectile?
3. How do you calculate the velocity of a projectile at any point in its trajectory?
4. How does the mass of the projectile affect its motion?
5. What are some real-life examples of projectile motion?
6. Can projectile motion be applied in two different gravitational fields?
7. How is projectile motion different on other planets?
8. What is the impact of wind on projectile motion?

Tip: Practice solving projectile motion problems with different angles and initial speeds to understand how these variables affect the trajectory.